Hola! Welcome to Xativa, one of the most charming historic towns in the Province of Valencia. It’s packed with rich history, cultural treasures, scenic views, and quaint old town streets just waiting to be explored. From Iberians and Romans to Moors and the infamous Borgia family, many have left their mark here. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of hilltop castles, or simply looking for an unforgettable day trip from Valencia, Xativa won’t disappoint. Vamos, let us show you things to do in Xàtiva, Spain in one day.
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Xativa, Spain FAQ
Xàtiva is a Spanish town located in the Province of Valencia, approximately 60 kilometres from Valencia and 90 km from Alicante, making it a great day trip idea from these destinations.
Absolutely! Xativa is a fantastic destination near Valencia, well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history, castles, or simply want to enjoy breathtaking scenic views, Xativa offers a memorable experience for everyone. Also, it’s less crowded than other nearby tourist spots, making it a perfect place to soak up an authentic Spanish vibe.
Xativa is best known for its impressive hilltop castle, being the birthplace of two Borgia popes – Callixtus III and Alexander VI, and a fascinating mix of Roman, Islamic, and Christian heritage. Also, Xàtiva was once the second most important city in the Kingdom of Valencia and one of the first cities in Europe to have a printing press!
Xativa is an amazing destination for a day trip from Valencia, Alicante, or Benidorm surroundings. One day in Xativa is enough to see all the main landmarks and get a good feel of what this town is all about.
According to the Internet, it’s pronounced [ˈxatiβa] in Spanish. Still don’t know how to read it? Here’s a YouTube video where you can listen to correct pronunciation.
Things to do in Xàtiva, Spain in one day
Xativa Castle
If there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss in Xàtiva during your day trip, it’s exploring the town’s most iconic landmark – the magnificent hilltop Xativa Castle (es. Castell de Xàtiva). Over the centuries, this massive fortress was gradually expanded and fortified by the following cultures that inhabited the area. Nowadays, the castle is declared a Cultural Heritage Site.
What makes Xativa Castle unique is the fact that it’s actually made up of two parts: Castell Menor – the older part built atop Iberian and Roman remains, and Castell Major – the larger and better-preserved part built in medieval times with Islamic, and later Christian influences. They’re separated by Plaza de Armas, the castle’s central courtyard.
During your visit to Xàtiva Castle you’ll pass places like ancient gates, watchtowers, defensive walls, cannons, prison cells, water tanks, fountains, courtyards, and chapels. It’s a fascinating journey hundreds of years back in time! Every corner offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived, ruled, or were imprisoned here.
But the real highlight of Xativa Castle are the views! From every corner of the castle, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the city, surrounding valleys, and distant mountains. Be sure to have your camera ready all the time – Instagram-perfect photos guaranteed at every step!
For us, it’s one of the coolest castles we’ve ever visited. No trip to Xàtiva would be complete without exploring the castle, and honestly, the views alone are worth the hike. It’s simply the best thing to do in Xativa in one day.
How to reach Xativa Castle? We think that the best option is to hike up along a well-marked path. It takes about 30 minutes and rewards you with many scenic spots (don’t miss the Bellveret viewpoint) and some ruins and landmarks along the way. You can also take the tourist train or shuttle bus from the town centre. Driving is also an option (except Sundays), and there’s a small free parking lot about 100 meters from the main gate.
Entrance to Xàtiva Castle costs €6 for a normal ticket, €4 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 7 years (June 2025).The ticket also includes a visit to the Almodí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, both located in the historic center. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the xativaturismo.com website. The castle is closed on Mondays. Also, remember to reserve at least 1.5 hours exploring the castle grounds.
Xativa old town
Xativa old town is compact, with all the most important landmarks located just a short walk from each other. And there’s no better way to explore it than taking a leisurely stroll around. Just get lost in a maze of its narrow, atmospheric streets lined with historic mansions, quaint squares, centuries-old fountains, and old churches. The old town area has been declared a Site of Historical and Artistic Interest.
In Xativa old town, you’ll find points of interest like: Collegiate Basilica of Santa María, Royal Hospital, squares Plaça del Mercat and Plaça de la Trinitat, the chapel of Sant Feliu, and Convent of Sant Domènec. We’ll take a closer look at them shortly.
Xàtiva Tourist Office is located on Avenida de Selgas, just a few steps from Plaça del Mercat. It’s a good place to stop by for maps or local tips before exploring the town.
Collegiate Basilica of Santa María
The Collegiate Basilica of Santa María, known locally as La Seu, is one of Xàtiva’s most iconic landmarks. Its construction began in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque, and technically it’s still unfinished! This long delay inspired a popular local saying: “This lasts longer than the construction of the Seu!”
One of the church’s most iconic features is its 60-meter-high bell tower, built in the 19th century. And yes, you can climb it! After about 180 steps (which will feel like a breeze after hiking to the castle), you’ll be rewarded with great panoramic views over the old town.
Inside the church, you’ll also find a small museum that houses a rich collection of religious art, sacred relics, and artifacts linked to two Borgia popes, who were born in Xàtiva.
Entrance to the Collegiate Basilica of Santa María costs €3 for adults and €2 for children. Keep in mind that opening hours are very limited and the church is closed on Mondays. For current prices and opening hours, visit the xativaturismo.com website.
Travel tip. For the best views of the church, head to Bellveret viewpoint and the Xàtiva Castle grounds.
Royal Hospital
Royal Hospital (es. Hospital Reial) was founded in 1244 by King Jaume I and for over five centuries served as a functioning hospital caring for inhabitants’ health. Nowadays, this striking building stands as one of the town’s most striking architectural gems being a beautiful example of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture.
You can visit the Royal Hospital building for free during very limited opening hours, only from Friday to Sunday. It’s located right across the Collegiate Basilica. Even if only from outside, admiring the Royal Hospital is a thing to do in Xàtiva which you can’t miss.
Plaça del Mercat
Plaça del Mercat is the most vibrant square in Xativa’s old town, lined with many beautiful 18th-century buildings. Once a place where public executions were held, today it serves a much friendlier purpose – a central meeting point for locals and a great spot to pause for a coffee or dinner during your sightseeing.
Tip. During mornings and evenings, the square is bustling with life, but during siesta hours it’s mostly deserted which adds to its charm.
Plaça de la Trinitat
Exploring Plaça de la Trinitat is another must thing to do in Xativa on a day trip. This square is one of the old town’s most picturesque corners, full of history and architectural beauty. At its heart stands the 15th-century Gothic Trinidad Fountain, one of the last remaining Gothic fountains in Spain.
The square is also home to some beautiful historic mansions like the Alarcón Palace, and a 16th-century doorway which is the only remains of the 13th-century Trinitat Convent. Plaça de la Trinitat is a great spot to soak in Xàtiva’s atmosphere and admire the architecture.
Almodi Museum
If you wish to dive deeper into Xàtiva’s rich history, from prehistoric times through Islamic to Christian eras, head to Almodí Museum (es. El Museu de l’Almodí). It’s located in the old town close to Plaza del Mercado, in a beautiful Gothic building which once served as the town’s wheat market.
Entrance to the Almodi Museum is included with your Xàtiva Castle ticket. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the xativaturismo.com website. The museum is closed on Mondays. Exploring this museum is a great thing to do in Xativa for history lovers!
Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re an art enthusiast, the Museum of Fine Arts of Xàtiva (es. Museu de Belles Arts de Xàtiva) is another must-visit in town. It’s housed in the beautifully restored 18th-century building, just around the corner from the Almodí Museum.
Inside, you’ll find one of the most significant art collections in the Valencian Community, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as José de Ribera, Francisco de Goya, or Vicente López.
But the most famous piece in the collection is the upside-down portrait of King Philip V, who besieged the town during the War of the Spanish Succession, ordered it to be burned, and renamed to San Felipe. In memory of the insult, now his portrait hangs upside down in the Museum of Fine Arts.
Entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts is included with your Xativa Castle ticket. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the xativaturismo.com website. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Sant Feliu Church
Sant Feliu church (es. Ermita de Sant Feliu) is Xàtiva’s oldest church, and one of the oldest churches in the Valencia region. It was built in 1265 on the site of a Visigoth cathedral, following the Christian Reconquista. It’s located at the foot of the castle, close to the Bellveret viewpoint.
Inside, you’ll find partially restored 14th-century murals and beautiful 15th-century Gothic altarpieces. You can visit Sant Feliu church for free during opening hours, which you need to check with the tourist office.
Convent of Sant Domènec
The Convent of Sant Domènec is located within Xativa old town. It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries in Gothic style and features a single nave. Currently, the convent of Sant Domènec houses the Corpus Christi Museum, with the permanent exhibition of the elements of this traditional festival. Entrance is free during opening hours.
Xátiva Tourism App
To make the most of your day trip to Xàtiva and enhance your exploration, you can download the Xàtiva Turismo App – the official mobile guide created by the town’s tourism board. The app provides comprehensive information on 80+ points of interest around Xativa, including monuments, museums, restaurants, and accommodations. It’ll help you navigate and discover nearby attractions with ease, whether you’re wandering through the old town or hiking to the castle. It supports 3 languages: English, Spanish, and Valencian, and also works offline.
Xàtiva Turismo App is available to download for free on both iOS and Android.
How to get to Xátiva, Spain?
Xàtiva is located about 60km from Valencia, 85km from Denia, 100km from Alicante, and 120km from Benidorm. The most convenient way to get to Valencia is by train or car.
Where to park in Xativa?
There are several parking options in Xátiva. Free street parking is available in some areas, and there are paid parking lots near the main attractions too. You can also drive up to the castle entrance, but remember that access is restricted on Sundays and public holidays.
We recommend leaving the car in this free parking lot located at the foot of the castle right next to Bellveret viewpoint, and just a few minutes on food from Xátiva old town.
Airports near Xativa
The closest airports to Xativa are located in Valencia (70km away) and in Alicante (100km away). From both airports, you can take public transport to the city center and then catch a train to Xàtiva. You can check connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com website. At each airport, you can also rent a car for a faster and more comfortable journey.
To Xátiva by public transport
The fastest way of getting to Xátiva by public transport is by train. You won’t have any problem with that from nearby places like Valencia, Alicante, Cullera, Gandia, or Sagunto. Xativa’s train station is located about a 10-minute walk from the old town, which is very convenient for day trips.
To check out a map of available connections, visit acprail.com, and to learn more about routes that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
As for bus connections, it looks like there aren’t that many direct ones (apart from Valencia) and the rare available ones last quite long, so we advise against choosing this method. But if you must, choose the ALSA bus service.
Camping Xativa
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Residencia Vacacional Xàtiva or Camping Font de Sis might interest you. They are located in or close to Xativa.
Things to do in Xativa, Spain in one day – Summing up
And that’s a wrap on the best things to do in Xativa! As you can see now, this town is a true gem in the Valencia region. It’s the kind of place that quietly steals your heart and completely takes you by surprise.
The impressive castle with breathtaking views alone makes the trip to Xativa worthwhile. But when you add in the charming old town, authentic Spanish vibe, fascinating museums, and all the intriguing stories, you’ll see why Xàtiva deserves a spot on every Valencia region itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Valencia or including it as part of a longer adventure through eastern Spain, Xàtiva is a place that won’t disappoint. Enjoy!
Our opinion about Xativa
For us, a visit to Xativa was a day trip from nearby Cullera, where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in March, and during that time, the town was very peaceful, with just a handful of other visitors around. We practically had the Xativa Castle and the old town to ourselves! Exploring everything we wanted took us about 6 hours.
To be honest, Xàtiva took us by surprise with its mix of grand history, small-town soul and striking views. Judging by the photos, we expected a beautiful spot but what we experienced exceeded our expectations.
Obviously, the absolute highlight was Xativa Castle and panoramic views from it – truly spectacular and some of the best we’ve seen in the entire Region of Valencia! After that, wandering around the old town wasn’t that exciting, but we still enjoyed it – especially Plaza del Mercado and Plaça de la Trinitat.
And the fun surprise was when somewhere between the foot of the castle and the old town we came across a quirky house decorated with… dozens of cat paintings and reliefs! We’ll add the pin to our Xàtiva map so you can find it too. Speaking of cats… At Bellveret Viewpoint, a cute fluffy guide joined us for a few minutes! So you know, the trip was already so much better!
All in all, Xàtiva quickly became one of our favorite day trips from Valencia, and we highly recommend adding it to your travel plans if you’re in the area!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Xativa?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Xativa:
Where to sleep in Xativa?
Hotel Bienvenidos Rooms
Hotel Bienvenidos Rooms offers modern, well-equipped rooms with clean, minimalist design, perfect for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city. Conveniently located near Xàtiva’s historic center and just a short walk from the train station, it’s an ideal base for exploring the castle, old town, and surrounding countryside. Guests enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Casa Aldomar
Casa Aldomar is a charming boutique guesthouse nestled in Xàtiva’s historic center, housed in a lovingly restored 18th-century building. The rooms feature a minimalist décor, complemented by inviting spaces like a rooftop terrace with views of the cathedral and castle, and a tranquil inner courtyard. Guests can unwind with books and board games in the cozy library and enjoy a local breakfast, all just steps from the city's medieval landmarks.
Gomez Rooms
Gomez Rooms offers a warm and modern stay in a peaceful neighborhood just a short stroll from Xàtiva’s historic center. This small, family-run guesthouse features five clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and water. With direct access to scenic walking trails and the castle walls, it’s an ideal base for exploring both the city’s cultural heritage and its natural surroundings.
